| Abstract: | The microhydration structure of nickel sulfate aqueous solution has been determined via density functional theory( DFT) calculation and extended X-ray absorption fine structure( EXAFS) spectroscopy. The geometric optimization and energy calculation of nickel sulfate hydrated clusters of the molecular formula NiSO_4( H_2 O)_n]~0( n = 1-12) were determined via DFT using the B3 LYP method. Several possible initial structures were considered for clusters of each size to locate the equilibrium geometry.Based on the DFT calculation,the favorable structure of Ni~(2+)includes the six-coordinated form of NiSO_4( H_2 O)_n]~0 clusters. The results of hydration energy calculation suggest that the six-coordinated contact ion pair( CIP) is the stable configuration for small hydration clusters( n≤5),while the solventshared ion pair( SSIP) represents the favorable structure for medium hydration clusters( 6≤n≤10).The solvent is separated by x water molecules( xSIP,x ≥2 is the number of water molecule between Ni~(2+)and SO_4~(2-)) in larger hydration clusters( n≥11). The EXAFS analysis of the NiSO_4 aqueous solutions and NiSO_4·6 H_2 O solid established that Ni~(2+)was surrounded by six water molecules tightly forming an octahedral structure in the first hydration shell,and no CIP was found from 0. 70 mol/L to 2. 22 mol/L( near saturation). The Ni-O distance and coordinated number were 2. 040 ± 0. 020 ? and 6. 0 ± 1. 0,respectively. These results are consistent with the DFT calculations for NiSO_4( H_2 O)_n]~0 clusters. DFT and EXAFS are powerful techniques that can be used to enhance the resolution of NiSO_4 solution microstructure. |
